CALLS are being made for this week’s Budget to include a commitment to funding a “critical” study on the A75.
The South West Scotland Transport Alliance (SWSTA) wants Chancellor Rachel Reeves to confirm that £8m is still on the table for work needed to progress the critical improvements locally.
The alliance wants the finance promised by the UK Government for feasibility studies to bypass two villages to be released.
Former Conservative Transport Secretary Mark Harper said in December last year the money would be paid to Transport Scotland to carry out the work at Springholm and Crocketford.
However, it’s believed that this money has still not been transferred.
SWSTA say the region cannot afford any further delays in work and spokesman Paul Grant, from Stena Line, said: “We need certainty from the Chancellor in her Budget about the UK Government’s commitment to invest.
“Dumfries and Galloway cannot afford another false dawn and delay to the desperately-needed work to make the A75 safer, greener and better. Ultimately this is about helping to save lives, improve the environment and boost the economy.
“Investment in the region is going to continue to be curtailed while this road remains sub-standard. The new UK Government has a real chance here to turn that around. We are keen to work with politicians at Westminster and Holyrood to make things happen.”
He pointed out the pledge was made ten months ago, adding: “People and businesses are keen to see progress. The new Government needs to honour the commitment made.”
